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Applying for funding

As with any activity, money really helps! But it isn’t always easy to find sources of funding for what you want to do, and when you do find some funding you have to go through the often grueling and lengthy process of applying for it.

So, we thought that providing some simple steps for locating funding and filling out the forms might enable you to be as effective as possible in successfully getting your activity off the ground.

Step 1: Get in good shape

Before you even think of applying for funding, make sure that your group is ready to receive it. Funders want to know that you are capable of managing their money, and that your group has all the necessary policies and procedures in place.

Step 2: Finding a funder

Grants and other types of funding are available to voluntary and community groups, usually from local councils, the National Lottery and charitable trusts.

This type of funding is generally project-based and separate from sources of income that help with the day-to-day running of a group.

  • Speak to individuals and groups who have done this before and see if they can provide any advice on who to apply to and what to apply for. Don’t know any groups? Speak to VAO to find out about any groups who may be able to help.
  • Sign up to the Action Together Funding Alert E-Bulletin which includes details of key current funding opportunities for groups in Oldham

Step 3: Applying for funding

Grant-giving organisations usually provide details for applicants, such as: the grant criteria; the application process; the information they need from you; and how and when they make their decisions. Some will offer pre-application discussions or interviews. If they do, take them up as the advice can save you a lot of time and unnecessary expense.

In the meantime, we thought we would share the top ten reasons why funding applications are rejected to stop you making the same mistake:

Success rates for funding applications vary depending on the level of demand and the type of grant available. Here are the top 10 reasons for why funders reject an application:

  1. The applicant is not eligible – Always check your legal form, charity status, geographical remit, or beneficiaries against the funder’s criteria.
  2. The applicant fails to meet the criteria – Many applications fall outside the funder’s own criteria.
  3. Projects are poorly planned – A bid for a computer or a vehicle needs to show how it would be stored, insured and used. Have you thought through all the implications of taking on this new resource? How will the project continue after the funding finishes?
  4. Applications are not clear and concise – Have you explained what your project is in a way which others can understand?
  5. Lack of clear and demonstrable outcomes – This is a high priority for many funders; you must show that you are outcomes-orientated.
  6. The budget – Having a robust financial management procedure can go a long way. You must make sure that your costs are realistic and represent value for money. Provide quotes for any costs and match funding must be secured before a grant is released. For major capital (such as a building), applicants will need to show how they plan to raise the funds for long-term running costs and maintenance.
  7. Very few funders will make grants retrospectively – i.e. after the project has taken place. Bear in mind that they can take months to consider your application, so if you want to run a play scheme in the summer holidays, do not leave the applications until June, (even if you have money in the bank to 'lend' to the play scheme).
  8. Applications are made without monitoring and evaluation processes in place – Groups need to show how they plan to measure the success of the project they are seeking funding for. How will progress be tracked and money managed?
  9. The application is incomplete – Make sure you answer all questions and fill in the application form properly. Don’t make funders hunt for the information. Ensure any supporting documents are also completed, accurate, up-to-date, and complement the application form.
  10. The applicant misses the deadline.